Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 135 The Banquet: Requesting Imperial Decree for Jia Xiaoyan, Jiang Liushen's Reaction

A subtle tenderness flickered in Jiang Liushen's eyes, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

“Miss Jia, you’ve arrived.” Jiang Liushen broke the silence first, his voice deep and magnetic.

Jia Xiaoyan bowed slightly and said, "Greetings to His Majesty the Emperor of Xijing Kingdom. I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Xiao Han smiled and nodded, indicating, "Miss Jia, please sit down."

Jia Xiaoyan and Gu Liuli sat together. Jia Xiaoyan tried hard to stay focused, but whenever she glanced at Jiang Liushen, her heart would race uncontrollably. Jiang Liushen would also occasionally look at her, their eyes sometimes meeting and then quickly looking away, a strange emotion filling the air.

This caught Xiao Han's attention immediately. "Liu Shen, it's still early. Why don't you let Miss Jia accompany you for a walk in the Imperial Garden?"

Jiang Liushen smiled slightly upon hearing this: "Alright, then I'll have to trouble you, Miss Jia!"

Jia Xiaoyan's cheeks flushed slightly, feeling both shy and expectant, and she replied softly, "It is Xiaoyan's honor to accompany His Majesty to the Imperial Garden."

The two walked side by side out of the main hall, heading towards the Imperial Garden. Along the way, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled golden light on them. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, a truly delightful sight.

Stepping into the Imperial Garden, a vibrant, colorful scene unfolds before your eyes. Flowers of every hue vie for attention, some as red as fire, as pink as the sunset, and as white as snow. Butterflies flutter among the blossoms, while bees busily flit about.

Jiang Liushen slowed his pace, turned to look at Jia Xiaoyan, his eyes full of tenderness. "Miss Jia, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Jia Xiaoyan raised her head to meet his gaze and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well. But Your Majesty, you are very busy with state affairs, please take care of your health."

Jiang Liushen nodded slightly, his eyes full of smiles: "With Miss Jia's concern, I will naturally take care of myself. During my time in Xijing Kingdom, I was fortunate to have you by my side, and I will always remember that."

Jia Xiaoyan blushed slightly and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Xiaoyan was just doing what she was supposed to do."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. They recalled the days when they fought side by side in Xijing Kingdom, those thrilling moments, and the tacit understanding when facing difficulties together, all of which became their most cherished memories at this moment.

“Miss Jia, actually… I have another private reason for coming here this time,” Jiang Liushen suddenly said, his expression becoming somewhat tense.

Jia Xiaoyan's heart skipped a beat, and she asked nervously, "Your Majesty means..."

Jiang Liu took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Since we parted, I have often thought of you. Your wisdom, courage, and kindness are unforgettable. I want to know, do you... harbor any other feelings for me?"

Jia Xiaoyan was embarrassed by this sudden confession. She lowered her head, but couldn't help but smile. "Your Majesty, what are you saying? I... I didn't understand!"

Standing at a distance, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli said, "Father, are you sure my brother can handle this? I know Xiaoyan's personality best. If my brother already has concubines, Xiaoyan won't agree even if she likes them!"

Han stroked his beard, a confident smile on his face, and said, "Liu Shen knows what he's doing. Besides, when it comes to matters of the heart, others can only offer some advice; the key is for them to decide for themselves."

Meanwhile, Jia Xiaoyan and Jiang Liushen in the Imperial Garden had already arrived at the pavilion.

"Let's sit here for a while," Jiang Liushen suggested.

Jia Xiaoyan nodded in agreement, and the two sat down in the pavilion. Jiang Liushen gazed at Jia Xiaoyan with a serious expression and slowly said, "Xiaoyan, I know you have some concerns, and I will be frank with you today."

Though I am the ruler of a nation, possessing a harem, those are but empty titles. From the moment I met you, my heart has belonged to only you.

Jia Xiaoyan raised her head, her eyes flashing with complex emotions—gratitude and doubt: "Your Majesty, matters of the heart concern one's entire life, and I cannot easily agree to them. Matters of the harem are no small matter. If what Your Majesty says is true, what will become of us in the future?"

Jiang Liushen gently grasped Jia Xiaoyan's hand, his gaze resolute: "Xiaoyan, I swear in the name of the emperor that if you are willing to join hands with me, I will surely dismiss the harem and spend my whole life with you."

Jia Xiaoyan's eyes reddened slightly, and the ice in her heart began to melt slowly, but she still hesitated: "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance and needs to be considered carefully."

Jiang Liushen nodded gently: "I understand. I will give you time to think it over. No matter how long it takes, my feelings will not change."

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the pavilion, bathing the two of them in a warm yellow glow.

Outside the pavilion, a gentle breeze rustled through the flowers, causing the branches to sway as if waiting for something.

Before we knew it, night had fallen and the city lights were on.

A grand banquet was held in the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom to welcome Jiang Liushen's arrival.

At the banquet, melodious music filled the air, songs and dances were performed, and everyone toasted each other, creating a lively atmosphere.

Jia Xiaoyan, dressed in a gorgeous palace gown, sat elegantly at the table, chatting and laughing with those around her.

Jiang Liushen's gaze would occasionally fall on her, his eyes full of tenderness and concern.

Just as everyone was immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the banquet, a young minister suddenly stood up. His face was slightly flushed, obviously from drinking quite a bit of wine, but his eyes revealed a firm determination.

He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed respectfully to Emperor Xiao, saying, "Your Majesty, I have a request."

Emperor Xiao was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Please speak freely, my dear minister."

The minister took a deep breath and said loudly, "I have long admired Miss Jia Xiaoyan. Today, I dare to ask Your Majesty to grant me your request to marry Miss Jia. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on the minister and Jia Xiaoyan.

Jia Xiaoyan's smile vanished instantly. She stared at the minister in astonishment, completely unprepared for such a thing to happen.

Jiang Liushen's face instantly turned ashen, radiating a murderous aura. He gripped the wine glass in his hand tightly, his knuckles turning white, as if he were about to crush it at any moment.

He slowly stood up, his gaze like a sharp blade shooting towards the minister, his voice low yet full of authority: "Insolence!" This angry shout was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, shaking the entire banquet hall slightly, and everyone fell silent, not daring to breathe.

Emperor Xiao was also somewhat surprised. He looked at Jia Xiaoyan, then at Jiang Liushen, and thought to himself: This is truly an unexpected turn of events.

He cleared his throat and said, "This matter concerns Miss Jia's lifelong happiness, so we need to hear Miss Jia's opinion."

All eyes turned to Jia Xiaoyan again. Jia Xiaoyan slowly stood up, composed herself, and tried to keep her tone calm: "Thank you for your kindness, sir, but I really cannot grant your request."

Seeing this, the minister could only sigh helplessly and sit back down in his original seat.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere took on a different meaning.